Disinfectant firm warns against use of Lysol, Dettol for COVID-19 treatment after Trump’s comment
Reckitt Benckiser Group plc (RB), a British multinational company that makes Lysol and Dettol — two disinfectants — has warned its customers against consumption of the products to treat the coronavirus pandemic.
The company, in a statement issued on Friday, said there are no scientifically proven evidences that use of disinfectants could cure COVID-19, the virus caused by the virus, as rumoured in some quarters.
“Due to recent speculation and social media activity, RB (the makers of Lysol and Dettol) has been asked whether internal administration of disinfectants may be appropriate for investigation or use as a treatment for coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2),” the statement read.
“As a global leader in health and hygiene products, we must be clear that under no circumstance should our disinfectant products be administered into the human body (through injection, ingestion or any other route).
“As with all products, our disinfectant and hygiene products should only be used as intended and in line with usage guidelines. Please read the label and safety information.”
RB noted that the clarification was necessary to ensure its consumers are not swayed by misinformation flying around the internet as search for vaccine for the treatment of the novel virus continues across the globe.
“We have a responsibility in providing consumers with access to accurate, up-to-date information as advised by leading public health experts,” it added.
The company’s reaction comes against the backdrop of Thursday’s comment by President Donald Trump suggesting injecting disinfectants into be body could likely protect people from the killer virus.
“And then I see the disinfectant where it knocks it out in a minute. One minute. And is there a way we can do something like that, by injection inside or almost a cleaning?,” he was quoted as saying.
“Because you see it gets in the lungs and does a tremendous number on them, so it’d be interesting to check that.”
